Virginia Trees For Sale

Buying Trees and Shrubs in Virginia

Old Dominion, as the state is sometimes called, is also called the Mother of Presidents. It is here in the hills of Virginia the Flowering Dogwood displays its unique white to yellow flowers. A small to medium sized three, the Flowering Dogwood does not usually extend beyond 30 feet tall. It extends limbs out almost the same distance, offering its large white petals, or bracts, to deer. Flowering Dogwoods prefer moist to wet soil, best if slightly acidic. Water is essential for Flowering Dogwoods, whose leaves will wither without enough. Although the Flowering Dogwood is a popular ornamental tree and easy to plant, the Virginian planter may choose one of several other hundred varieties when planting a new tree.

Due to its large size, proximity to both the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, and varied temperatures, the smart Virginian grower will need to consider the following:

Climate

Soil Type

Average Precipitation

Irrigation

Growing Zones

Weather Damage

Best Trees for Virginia

Read about the specifics for your state in the following sections. If you’re looking for some quick ideas on what to plant, consider the following trees as expert-tested and The Tree Center approved:

New developments throughout the United States mean more infrastructure, more people, and more invasion of privacy. The residents of Virginia have the option to plant and tend trees that produce privacy, turning away prying eyes and loud noises and instead enjoying the quiet and peace of private property.

The Leyland Cypress is the perfect privacy tree for Virginian inhabitants. The Leyland Cypress grows quickly, adds distinct charm, and produces thick barriers between a private abode and unwanted chatter. Growing between 3 and 5 feet a year, the Leyland Cypress will give the Virginian yard the fast-growing privacy for which they have been searching. Alternatively, the Thuja Green Giant and American Holly will bring privacy, color, and solitude to the savvy planter’s yard.

Climate

Virginia’s climate is variable, primarily due to significant changes in elevation. From the top of Mount Rogers (5,729 feet) to the Chesapeake Bay (see level), Virginia sees expansive climatic characteristics. Typically, weather is hot and humid further southeast. The average daily high in summer across the state is 83°F, though temperatures in the 90s are not uncommon. The record was set in 1954 at 110°F. Winters are mild to cool, with moderating temperatures from the Atlantic Ocean minimize extended cold spells. The average daily temperatures in January usually are in the mid40s across the state. The record low was set in 1985 at -30°F.

Soil Type

Most trees require well-drained soil rich with minerals to grow. Covering over 500,000 acres of Kentucky is Crider soil, a deep, well-draining soil used primarily for crops and pasture land. Regardless of the property’s location in The Bluegrass State, a soon-to-be tree planter can perform a simple test to determine his/her soil type.

The test requires a handful of fresh soil from the layer just below the top. It should be damp but not wet. The tester should hold the soil in the palm of his/her hand and, not surprisingly, squeeze. The squeeze will produce one of three events.

1. The soil will hold its shape, likely forming a snake. If you touch the snake, the soil will maintain its original shape. You have CLAY.
2. The soil will hold its shape, likely forming a snake. If you touch the snake, the soil will collapse. You have LOAM.
3. The soil will fall apart as you open your hands. You have SAND.

Once you know what soil type you have, you can find trees best suited to the dirt’s properties. Loam is the best soil to have, as its unique qualities make it ideal for holding and transferring water to trees.

Average Precipitation

Rainfall is abundant in Virginia, which sees, on average, 42.7 inches of rainfall annually. Thunderstorms occur in the state 40 days out of the year, on average, which is higher than the national average. Despite plentiful rainfall, floods are infrequent. Cold air from the Appalachian Mountains can bring snow, heavy at times. Several blizzards occurred recently, such as those of 1996, 2009, and 2010. Even with moderate snowfall, though, most of Virginians in the south will only see a few inches at most annually.

Irrigation

Although rainfall is significant in Virginia, irrigation systems can be an effective way to moderate water dispersal. Newly planted trees require sufficient and constant access to water. Drip or sprinkler irrigation systems can be an effective way to ensure new trees get the water needed. The stress of transplantation can have a negative effect on trees, which may have lost roots and limbs in the process. Ensuring proper water and care for a new tree can help it reach successful growth.

Growing Zones

Virginia is home to five unique growing zones. A growing zone simply refers to the USDA’s determination of areas where certain plants are most likely to thrive, preferring to focus on minimal temperature ranges in which a plant can survive. The zones in Virginia move in a northwest direction, cooling as they cross the state. In the far southeast, near Norfolk and along the Chesapeake Bay, temperatures are warmest, rarely dropping below 5°F. Inland, Richmond and Roanoke both fall into zone 7a, and temperatures here may drop to 0°F. Further west and north, low temperature ranges drop further still. In three separate zones low temperatures may drop to -15°F for extended lengths of time. These regions are an area west of Bland, an area northwest of Blacksburg, and a sliver north of the small town, McDowell.

Weather Damage

Virginia’s location along the Atlantic Ocean, where severe Gulf Stream currents carry severe tropical storms, makes it an easy target for hurricanes. Virginia is north enough along the coast that storms are typically weakened; still, three hurricanes in the last ten years have wrought havoc in the region, usually bringing severe wind and rains. Tornadoes are uncommon in the state, which averages only 7 annually; however, in 2004, Virginia has 85 tornadoes. Plant trees away from powerlines and buildings on which the tree could fall. Trees can also be beneficial if heavy rains affect the area, as the roots assist in keeping soil together during even minimal flooding.

Virginia State Tree

Scientific Name: Cornus FloridaCommon Name: Flowering Dogwood

Virginia State Soil

Pamunkey Soil

Virginia State Flag

Virginia State Seal

List Of Nurseries and Garden Centers in Virginia

If you prefer to purchase your trees or shrubs in person instead of online, we offer this comprehensive guide to purchasing a tree at your local Virginia nursery or garden center. However, since we don’t actually live in Virginia we can’t guarantee this list to be 100% accurate – but we did attempt to be as accurate as we possibly could. We have no affiliation with any of the businesses listed below and make no guarantees as to the businesses’ ability or the quality of trees you will receive. As with any purchase you make, be sure to check out the business with the Better Business Bureau, references, and any other sources you may have.